Star Life Cycle Review

Front

What is the main factor that determines how a star will end its life?

Back

Mass

Front

When main sequence stars run out of hydrogen fuel, they start fusing heavier elements and grow larger. This is the _____ phase.

Back

Red giant

Front

Which star color is the hottest?

Back

Blue

Front

During main sequence, stars fuse _____ atoms into _____ atoms.

Back

Hydrogen, helium

Front

Main sequence stars give off heat and light because they are powered by _____ reactions.

Back

Nuclear fusion

Front

What is the life cycle stage of a star after it becomes a red giant?

Back

It can become a supernova or a planetary nebula, depending on its mass.

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is a powerful explosion that occurs at the end of a star's life cycle, often resulting in the formation of a neutron star or black hole.

Front

What is a white dwarf?

Back

A white dwarf is the remnant core of a star that has exhausted its nuclear fuel and shed its outer layers.

Front

What is a planetary nebula?

Back

A planetary nebula is a shell of gas ejected from a star during the late stages of its life, often surrounding a white dwarf.

Front

What is the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process of combining lighter atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, while nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei.